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[Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe, 薄荷)]
Taste: Acrid, Bitter. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. It is generated by absorbing the Qi of late spring and early summer, and obtaining the flavors of Fire and Metal. Its movement is ascending; it belongs to Yang.
[Indications] Primarily treats wind-cold pathogenic factors causing exterior excess requiring sweating, evil Qi leading to abdominal distension and fullness, cholera-like disorders, retention of food not digesting, and descending Qi. Decocted in water and taken orally, it induces sweating. Treats infantile wind-induced urticaria.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Heart and Lung meridians. It is a substance that disperses wind-heat. (Acts as a light agent; enters the Qi level of the Liver and Pericardium, capable of searching out Liver wind and suppressing excessive Lung Qi.)
[Prior Discussions] Shiliang stated: "It can guide other herbs into the Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels, thus enabling the dispersion of wind-cold." Kou Zongshi stated: "For infantile convulsions, mania, and high fever, this herb must be used as a guiding agent."
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong in *Bencao Jing Shulou* stated: "Persons with deficiency should not take it in large amounts, as it may cause incessant sweating."

[Perillae Fructus et Folium (Zisu, 紫苏)]
Taste: Acrid. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. It is generated by harmonizing with Heaven's Yang Qi and combining with Earth's Metal flavor. Its movement can be ascending or descending; it belongs to Yang. Contraindicated with carp.
[Indications] Primarily descends Qi and removes cold stagnation in the Middle Jiao. Its fruit (Su Zi) is particularly effective. (*Mingyi Bielu*) Removes cold and heat, treating all types of cold Qi. (Meng Shen) Treats abdominal distension and fullness, resolves phlegm, and benefits the Lungs. Treats coughs.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Heart, Lung, and Stomach meridians. It is a substance that releases the exterior and scatters cold.
[Prior Discussions] Li Shizhen stated: "Perilla is an important herb in recent times. Its acrid taste enters the Qi level, and its purple color enters the Blood level. Therefore, when combined with Tangerine Peel (*Chenpi*) and Amomum (*Sharen*), it moves Qi and calms the fetus; when combined with Angelica Sinensis (*Danggui*) and Rehmannia (*Dihuang*), it disperses blood stasis; when combined with Saposhnikovia (*Fangfeng*) and Notopterygium (*Qianghuo*), it disperses wind."
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong in *Bencao Jing Shulou* stated: "For those with Yin deficiency presenting with alternating chills and fever, or chills and headache, which require consolidation and tonification, Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) should not be used. For those with rebellious Fire causing vomiting..."

[Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua, 菊花)]
Taste: Bitter, Sweet. Nature: Neutral. It experiences the Qi of the four seasons, obtains the clear Qi of Heaven and Earth, and uniquely inherits the essence of Metal to be generated. Its movement can be ascending or descending; it is Yin with slight Yang. Arctii Fructus (*Baizhu* - Note: Text says Baizhu but context implies Atractylodes, though strictly Baizhu is Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Lycii Radix Cortex (*Gouqigen*), and Morus Alba Root Bark (*Sangpi*) act as assistants. The flower, leaf, root, and stem are used together.
[Indications] Primarily treats various head winds causing dizziness, swelling, and pain, sensation of eyes protruding, tearing, dead skin/muscle on the body, aversion to wind-damp bi syndrome. Promotes the flow of Blood and Qi. Long-term use makes the body light, enhances longevity, and delays aging. (*Shennong Bencao Jing*)
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Gallbladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine meridians. It is a substance that dispels wind and brightens the eyes. (Acts as a tonic; specifically controls Wind-Wood pathogenic factors and primarily regulates Liver Qi stagnation.)
[Prior Discussions] Fan Zhigan stated: "To treat head wind, White Chrysanthemum is particularly effective." Danxi stated: "Yellow Chrysanthemum belongs to Earth and Metal, containing Water and Fire, capable of nourishing Yin and Blood, benefiting vision."
Ao's Commentary: Chrysanthemum stems and leaves, crushed for juice and drunk, can treat carbuncles and sores (Ding Chuang); the residue applied externally is especially crucial for Red Line Ding. This is because Ding arises from Wind-Fire toxicity.
[Preparation] Kou Zongshi stated: "Only single-petaled Chrysanthemum with a sweet taste is suitable for medicinal use." Fan Zhigan stated: "Only Sweet Chrysanthemum is edible and suitable for medicinal use. Yellow and White varieties both..."